'Krill Oil - The Most Potent & Effective Source of Omega 3!'

What is Krill!

Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are approximately 1 to 6 centimeters long. They live is the ocean, where they feed mainly on phytoplankton. They're near the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish. They are a key species in the Antarctic ecosystem and are, in terms of biomass, probably the most successful animal species on the planet (approximately 500 million tonnes). This means that they are ample in number, being a succesul marine specie of aquatic life. They are large in number, will be difficult to ever go extinct.

What is Krill Oil!

Krill oil, the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional

supplement. It's sold in some health food stores and online in capsule form.

Krill's Popularity!

Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is the main reason it's becoming popular as a nutritional supplement. They are the most natural and a better source to get EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid) in our daily diet.

Another reason krill oil is becoming popular is because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink color.

Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals (free radicals are unstable substances) that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.

Why do people use Krill?

People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn't cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil.

Here are some specific conditions for which it's used: -

• Cholesterol
• Premenstural syndrome
• Arthritis

Side Effects of Krill: -

People with allergies to seafood shouldn't use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders shouldn't use krill oil unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Side effects of krill oil may include loose stools, diarrhea or indigestion.

Possible Drug Interactions: -

People taking blood thinners (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use krill oil under a physician's supervision.

Bibliography & References: -

• Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L.Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev. (2004) 9.4: 420-428.

• Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. J Am Coll Nutr. (2007) 26.1: 39-48.